This is a really rhythmic filled album, and it’s highly recommended. DJ Shadow and Lyrics Born; are very talented producers/lyricists. They have come together to create an energetic sound, that uplifts and ignites you with groove. Signed to Ninja Tune records, they are an up and coming duo with lots of special music to bring. It’s raw through out, with elements of Soul, Jazz, Hip-Hop and Funk. The first song has nice mellowed out fender Rhodes, and nice soothing chords. It's a relaxing entrance to the album, but the more you listen the more unexpected surprises come. The album has a lot of instrumentals, meaning there’s not much singing to be heard, but it’s still interesting nonetheless. My favorite song off this debut is 'Smile (while you're crying), which has vocals that suite the sounds. The professionalism these producers have in there sound and musical performance are mind blowing. I’m sure that there live shows are worth the watch. The lyrics in the two songs that feature vocals are deep, and inspiring. Without these two songs it wouldn’t make much of a difference to the quality of the album because they are true original creators and could make a very interesting sound track. It’s a firm favorite of mine and I would imagine that most people into real music would also enjoy it. The popular retail shops may not sell it, but the little independent shops should have a copy. ‘Discern/Define’ is something that doesn’t come around too often, and when it does, it not to be ignored.

Matthew Daniel [Just Soul]

Nigerian based Afro soul artist, Kuku is ready to set the new soul music scene on fire. He is based in the United States, with a just released EP called 'Love Sessions'. Kuku had been a child in Nigeria for many years, and as he grew up he decided the states is where he'd like to find musical success. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Kuku is now a permanent USA resident, with lots of good music to share. Kuku can now sit back and wait for music listeners to catch him in shows or Internet sites, and be blown away by his acoustic set. Already getting airplay on UK's soul radio 24-7 and USA's XM Radio Soul Station. Love Sessions is getting its fair share of love back. Kuku is a self-taught guitarist, who singers and song writes, basically, a multi- talented artist who does everything himself. Bob Marley and Michael Jackson influence afro- soul artist. I would recommend Kuku 'Love Sessions' to any one who likes Anthony David or other soulful acoustic artists. Kuku was brought listening to some of the best music to get young souls creative juices flowing; he would find himself hungry to make music. Which is how he knew that making music was what he wanted to do, not only that, but gave him happiness on a spiritual level as well as emotional. Some may find Kuku too unknown, but if you have a thirst for music that hasn’t reached its millions (yet), ‘Love Sessions’ will quench that thirst. The song’s sound beautiful and represent love in it pure form, musically. All those R&B love songs can be put in the bin, Kuku is here to share how he feels about love, with his guitar and band. What is more real than that? Talent and passion, is the source to have a successful musical career, Kuku shows that. ‘Love Sessions’ sounds like a mixture of Sam Cooke, Anthony David and Eric Clapton on guitar. Remember that it is only an EP, which means he hasn’t shown us what he is truly capable of doing, and also there will be songs that people won’t like, for example ‘Over Dreaming’. However, the sexy and classy ‘Sunrise in bed’ is one of the most sensual tracks I’ve heard in 2005. A man who looks as hard as nails, is somewhat expected to be in a hip-hop group like Ying Yang twins, makes music about love. It’s music that gives us all a lesson; never judge a CD case by its cover.

Matthew Daniel [Just Soul]

Born and raised in Suffolk, Nate signed to Universal Music Publishing in 2004. Just a couple of months later, he found himself with a deal on OneTwo records, which is also home to the Brand New Heavies. Nate James has since then impressed fans and industry people and had the chance to shine on MTV Base lounge, 1xtra, RnB sensations and Radio 2's Soul Solutions and the Southport Weekender. Now, after much passion, sweat and care 'Set the tone' is ready for release. The first single to be released off his debut is 'Set the tone', which was released in February and presenters like Trevor Nelson has played it in rotation. Also, 1xtra, smooth fm, channel u, and kiss TV have given the single a good play to the nation. Over all 'Set the tone' debut is a what I call 'white boys funk'. Although Nate has been influenced by a lot of black artists such as Raphael and Lenny. Mr. James has already done a sold out gig at the Jazz Cafe and is set to play a date at the well-known Shepard’s Bush Empire in July. Nate James' album has influences from Rock, Funk, Pop Ballads, Soul and R&B. A very musically open minded artist, which the music world lacks, who stands out of the crowd of the packed out new soul music scene. With his mad hairstyle, impressive vocals and funky rhythms...his album will be an instant soul classic. Nate James has a refreshing sound and his own look; image and this may set a trend when he becomes more popular. His lyrics aren’t too deep yet they still have a powerful message, such as ‘The Message’. The duet with ex-lead vocalist of Lucy Pearl Dawn Robinson joins him on the rocky number ‘I’ll Decline’. ‘Set the tone’ and ‘purify me’ are the best tracks in my opinion; he shows how his groove can be soulful and less tacky like his song ‘Said I’d show you’ and ‘Can’t Stop’. Another classic soul song that isn’t tacky is ‘Impossible’. Those who really appreciate soul music and know what soul is may be disappointed. He is a beginner and he does need time for growth, maturity and experience. He can sing and obviously perform with his evidence of his impressive jazz café gig. I wouldn’t be surprised if Nate James had one of the most successful UK careers in 2005, because the man has talent. It’s up to the industry and the public to see it and hear it. Buy the record, go to the shows and spread the word, ‘Nate James has been released and is now here for good’.

Matthew Daniel [Just Soul]

Deborah Jordan is a sweet voiced Soul artist and teams up with multi-talented producers Dego MacFarlane and Kaidi Tatham of 4Hero. It’s a broken beat, new Soul record that grows on you the more you listen. It’s has an experimental Soul vibe, that eventually gets you addicted to its groove. This is an impressive debut from another rising UK Soul singer. Dego on keyboards, percussion, lyrics, arrangements and production signed D. Jordan to there new label 2000Black Records. Kaidi is on V2 Records with successful group Bugz in the Attic, so all this diversity in musical background only pays compliments to the sultry vocals of Deborah. The versatility of her sound covers Jazz, Broken Beat, Soul, and New Soul fusions. Silhouette Brown is basically a group of creative and like minded individuals coming together into the studio and forming this remarkable debut for Deborah Jordan to be proud of. It’s feel good music, with energetic rhythms and feet moving bass lines. They certainly put the UK underground scene on the map. With lots of fender Rhodes, grooves and other magical madness, Debs voice just compliments each track. I like the fender Rhodes keyboard they use. Let the new millennium Soul inventors take you far away into a world that is comforting and relaxing.

Matthew Daniel [Just Soul]

After having a successful career with her family group, ‘the Perry Sisters’, Lori decides to go solo. Signed to PaLance Records, L Perry proves us that she can do it by herself. Not everyone seemed to be impressed with ‘Wrote This Song’ but I certainly was. With Anita Baker like vocals through out, Lori takes you on a very soulful journey. The production is by William Parks, who uses his musical talent to compliment the soothing and strong vocals. The messages in the lyrics range from serious topics like the song title ‘Nine Eleven’, to the more imaginative songs are ‘Kingdom’ and ‘Majesty Reigns’, all beautiful in there own ways. The songs are lengthy, which gives Loris listener a chance to get to know her that bit closer and intimately. It’s a stunning debut and leaves you wanting more from this new Soul star. This singer has had years of touring as a background vocalists and shared the same stage with some house hold names. Her skills are shown to the highest abilities on ‘Wrote This Song’ and I’m really impressed. The sound of this debut is pleasing to the ear, and appealing to not only independent Soul fans but commercial listeners. Her honest lyrics give Lori that relatable factor that a lot of artists miss, and the musicality of this debut reaches a high standard of professionalism. Sometimes the songs can bleed into each other, but at the same time each time you play it, the debut gives you something new. I highly recommend this debut if you like the sound of pure Soul vocals recorded on Jazz like production. Lori Perry is a talent to watch out for in the future ahead.

Matthew Daniel [Just Soul]